City of all paradoxes, Mumbai (or the old Bombay) is the economic capital and the most populated megalopolis in the country. An Indian city that is a real kaleidoscope of sounds, colours, scents and flavours. The extraordinary frenzy of the one who is nicknamed "Maximum City", the showcase of a conquering India that exhibits its power, where business districts and skyscrapers emerge from the ground in record time, does not however make us forget that Mumbai enjoys an exceptional heritage
A city of all possibilities in constant evolution
Sprawling, frenetic, lively, surprising, conquering, passionate and sometimes cruel, Bombay cultivates paradoxes. India's richest city also hosts Asia's largest slum, the Dharavi slum. The most indecent fortunes are displayed without any complexes, while half of the population lives on less than one euro a day. Mumbai attracts people from all over the country who come to seek a better life. The propensity of Indians never to lose hope is remarkable, especially if we look at the harsh conditions in which the poorest populations live. Many of us would give up, not them. A great life lesson, certainly.
18.4 million inhabitants in 2017, double that number in 2030 according to some projections. It is nicknamed "City Of Dreams", or "Maximum City". Loving Mumbai, bewitching. The old Bombay captivates all Indians, but no longer only. A large number of foreigners come to settle in the megalopolis with the feeling that the epicentre of tomorrow's world is here. The city is changing, modernizing, residential and business districts are emerging from nowhere, such as Navi Mumbai. Every day, millions of workers meet thousands of Dabbawallas who take the train to bring lunch in a millimetre ballet. A fascinating spectacle like there are hundreds of them, far from our Western visions
A pleasant climate in a cheap city
Mumbai enjoys a mild climate, with an average annual temperature of 28°C, much less stifling than Delhi. And it never rains, except during the monsoon season. Moreover, we advise you to avoid this period, from June to September, because if it is highly expected by the Indians, the monsoon is also synonymous with strong disruptions in the city, especially in transport. If the heat overwhelms you, do as the locals do: at night, go and breathe the sea air on the Chowpatty beach side, along Marine Drive, on Carter Road Drive in Bandra, or on the long Juhu beach a little further north. And if you miss nature, escape for a day to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the city's green lung.
Even though Mumbai is the most expensive city in India, the cost of living remains very affordable. Sitting at the table of the city's most famous restaurants and getting by for Rs 3,000 wine not included (about €40), few capitals in the world can afford it. And, even without going crazy, many expenses remain derisory: taxi rides cost the price of a bus ticket, the city train ticket is Rs. 10, the water bottle is Rs. 20, a fresh fruit juice in the street at about Rs. 40. Enjoying yourself without counting, it's priceless
A culturally rich city with a preserved past
The island city has many monuments, museums, markets, beaches, the best restaurants in the country, trendy discos, parks... and even a station listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The south of Mumbai is particularly rich in colonial buildings, with the C.S.T. station, ex-Victoria Station, the former Prince Of Wales Museum and the Gateway Of India, to name only the most famous, manors and Art Deco buildings. Add to this frame some double-decker buses and the illusion of time travel is perfect. A little further north, we find India with its auto-rickshaws that sneak through the traffic. Mumbai is also a guarantee that it will never give in to monotony. From one neighbourhood to another, we change culture, beliefs and lifestyles. All religious communities are represented, each with their own populations, dress codes, gastronomy (Mumbai is the gastronomic capital of India). Here the most disproportionate fortunes are displayed without complex in the suburbs of Juhu or along Marine Drive, while the city also hosts the largest slum in Asia: the slum of Dharavi which counts nearly a million men, women and children
I mean, who hasn't heard of Bollywood? Bombay is the film capital and the Mumbaikars have three priorities in life: food, shelter and movies. The popular masses' favourite pastime enjoys a huge audience in Mumbai, even larger here than anywhere else on the subcontinent
The capital of Maharashtra is also an important crossroads, and is a prime base for exploring the wonders of this state, such as the Ellora and Ajanta rock caves, the historic remains of Aurangabad, or the holy city of Nashik. Located less than an hour by plane from Mumbai, the small state of Goa has a wealth of treasures to discover, including pristine beaches, a cultural heritage unique in India and delicious local cuisine. It is a destination far from the urban hustle and bustle of Bombay, where the sweetness of life attracts both foreign tourists and Mumbaikars
Ganesh Chaturthi, an extraordinary Ganesh celebration
And how can we talk about Mumbai without mentioning Ganesh's birthday (/v46509-mumbai/c1170-manifestation-evenement/c1250-fetes/c249-fete-officielle/644343-ganesh-chaturthi.html)? The very popular elephant-headed god is celebrated in all temples dedicated to this god for 10 days. Several thousand clay effigies painted in blatant colours are marching through the streets. The festival ends with a long procession and the immersion of the statues with the effigy of Ganesh in the water at Chowpatty Beach and Juhu Beach, where the celebration is at its height. This is undoubtedly the most impressive festival taking place in Mumbai. Be careful during this event, however, the atmosphere is electric and crowd movements, or overflows, can occur. Over the years Ganesh has become a gay icon, and her festivities with a message of freedom are also an opportunity for the gay community to show itself in public. The festival is also celebrated in Goa, but more modestly.
Smart info
When? When? The region does not experience large temperature variations. There are, of course, two seasons: dry (October to May) and wet (June to September). The southwest monsoon reaches the Kerala coast in early June and, in a few days, extends to Maharashtra and covers the entire country by the end of July. Avoid visiting Bombay during the monsoon season. The best time to visit Bombay is from October to April and the best months to visit the city are December, January and February. To attend the 2019 edition of Ganesh's incredible celebration, come and see us from September 1st.
Getting there. Count from 550 € and a little more than 9 hours by plane for a flight between Paris and Mumbai.
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